The History of Rotary

The Rotary Club was founded in Chicago on February 23, 1905 by Attorney Paul P. Harris.  What started as a national movement expanded internationally within a few short years.

The name "Rotary" was suggested by Paul Harris as meetings were rotated from office to office in the early days of the organization.  An early member, Montague M. Bear, created and designed the original Rotary Wheel (based on a wagon wheel) and another member, Charles A. Newton, originated the lincheon idea.  Arthur Sheldon, another early member, was the originator of the Rotary motto, "He Profits Most Who Serves Best."